A MAN has been arrested in connection with a murder investigation in Southend after a pregnant woman died following a fire in Westcliff.

The 47-year-old from Westcliff-on-Sea was detained by police this afternoon.

He has been taken to Rayleigh Police Station for questioning where he currently remains.

His arrest forms part of the investigation into the death of a 30-year-old expectant mother who died in hospital on Monday May 9 following a suspected arson attack at a block of flats in Balmoral Road at about 11.15pm on Saturday May 7.

Detective Chief Inspector Marina Ericson said: "This is an important development in our enquiries but this is very much a continuing investigation and we would appeal for anyone with information which could help us to get in touch.

"Whatever you have heard or seen, even if you don’t think it is significant, we need to know.”

Police were called by the fire service to a block of flats in Balmoral Road at about 11.15pm on Saturday.

Fourteen people including an eight-week-old baby were evacuated from the ninth floor of the premises while firefighters extinguished the blaze. 

One of the residents, a 30-year-old woman from Southend, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries.

She died yesterday evening and police have confirmed she was in the later stages of pregnancy.

Senior investigating officer Al Pitcher, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This is a very sad and distressing incident, in which a young woman and her unborn child have lost their lives in tragic circumstances. 

"Her family are now having to come to terms with their devastating loss.

"A number of other residents have also been left homeless as a result of this blaze.

"We would appeal for anyone with information about what happened that evening to please come forward and help us find those responsible for this fire.

"The fire was started in the communal area close to the victim’s home on the ninth floor and we are still exploring whether or not this was a targeted attack.

"We are reviewing CCTV as part of our extensive enquiries and are appealing for witnesses who saw anybody acting suspiciously in or around the block of flats around the time of the fire, or in the days leading up to the incident.

"Whoever was responsible may have suffered minor burns or have returned home with the smell of smoke on their clothes. 

"If you have any information, however small, please contact us on 101 or emailscdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.

"If you do not want to contact us directly, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org. You do not have to give them your contact details but every piece of information is vital.”